why being present matters more than being perfect

BY SANA SHARMA

"Relax, it is only your first year. You still have time!"

That's something every first-year law student hears. While it is comforting, it also raises a quiet question: if I slow down now, how do I move ahead later?

First year is often described as a trial run, a period where nothing truly "counts". But my experience has shown me that it matters, not because you need to have everything figured out, but because it is where you begin showing up, even when you feel unsure or intimidated.

Some of my most meaningful experiences happened outside the lecture halls.

Travelling to London for firm open days pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I questioned whether it was too early, whether I was doing too much, but I went anyway. Walking into those spaces, speaking to lawyers and learning about areas of law I had never encountered before made the profession feel real and accessible. Even small moments, like getting travel reimbursed, remined me that these opportunities are meant for students like us.

Academically, I began to see assessments not just as grades, but as experiences.

Judgement writing, poster presentations and court reflections helped me apply theory to reality. Instead of focusing solely on results, I focused on understanding. That shift made the learning process far more meaningful. Competitions were the most intimidating part of my first year. Mooting and negotiation felt like spaces for people who were already confident and articulate. I was neither. Still, I applied - not because I expected to win, but because I didn't want fear to decide for me. Preparing for mooting meant learning how to structure arguments, expect counterpoints and speak persuasively under pressure. My first attempts were far from perfect, but I sought feedback, practiced consistently and improved. Reaching the quarterfinals was less about achievement and more about growth. It proved that confidence develops through action, not before it.

Negotiations competitions required a different skillset: listening carefully, thinking commercially and balancing assertiveness with collaboration. Managing preparation alongside academic deadlines taught me discipline and time management. More importantly, these competitions strengthened my academics. Seeing the law in action made theory clearer and more engaging.

The first year also brought rejection. I applied to multiple societies and did not get into all of them. Those emails were disappointing, but they taught me resilience early. In a profession built on persistence, learning to handle rejection is as important as celebrating success. Being involved in social justice initiatives further shaped my perspective. Conversations about housing, child protection and access to justice grounded my ambitions. Exploring corporate law expanded my horizons; engaging with social justice clarified my values. Both experiences were necessary in shaping the kind of lawyer I hope to become.

Today, I balance academics, societies, competitions and friendships. I have learned that you cannot do everything and you do not need to. What matters is choosing to be present in the spaces you step into. First year is not "just" first year. It is where you begin building confidence, resilience and perspective. You do not need to be perfect. You simply need to show up.